At Holistic Relocation, we support multinational companies, international professionals, and their families throughout the entire relocation process by providing comprehensive services that include immigration, home search, settling-in assistance, local orientation, and cross-cultural training.
With operations across Latin America and Spain, we help ensure that every relocation is efficient, compliant, and provides a positive experience for both the employee and their family.
Immigration Services for Corporate Relocations to Colombia
Colombia offers different immigration categories depending on the purpose of the relocation.
For corporate assignments, the most common options include:
Migrant Visa (M Visa)
Typical profile:
Foreign professionals relocating to Colombia to work for a local company, perform specific functions, or establish medium- to long-term residence.
Common corporate mobility applications:
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Employees hired by Colombian companies.
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Executives transferred within international groups.
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Professionals with employment ties in Colombia.
Indicative processing time:
Processing times vary depending on the type of M Visa, the applicant's nationality, and the documentation submitted. If additional information or documents are required, processing times may be extended.
Visitor Visa (V Visa)
Typical profile:
Individuals who need to enter Colombia temporarily for specific activities, meetings, projects, or business activities that do not involve permanent residence.
Common applications:
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International consultants.
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Executives on business visits.
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Temporary projects.
Key considerations
It is recommended to verify the activity to be carried out in Colombia and the applicant's nationality to determine whether this visa category is applicable.
Resident Visa (R Visa)
Typical profile:
Foreign nationals who wish to establish long-term residence in Colombia and meet the immigration requirements for a residence category, whether through family ties, investment, length of stay, or other conditions established under current regulations.
Common applications:
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Professionals with a previous immigration history in Colombia.
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Individuals who meet specific requirements established by Colombian regulations.
Indicative processing time:
Processing times may vary depending on the R Visa category, the applicant's nationality, the review of the submitted documentation, and the validation of applicable requirements.
Key Considerations for the
Immigration Process in Colombia
Authorities involved
The main government bodies involved in immigration include:
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia: responsible for visa issuance.
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Migración Colombia: responsible for immigration control and foreign national registration.
Important considerations for companies and expatriates:
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Documentation must be properly apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of origin.
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Some documents require official translation into Spanish.
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Processing times may vary depending on the immigration category and documentation submitted.
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Once a visa is approved, additional steps such as registration and the issuance of identification documents may be required.
Common relocation mistakes:
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Starting the immigration process under the wrong category.
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Failing to validate specific requirements based on the employee's nationality.
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Not allowing enough time for apostille/legalization, official translation, and preparation of required documents.
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Planning the employee's arrival before the visa approval and necessary procedures to legally begin work have been completed.
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Failing to review family documentation requirements in advance for spouses, children, or other dependents.
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Not coordinating immigration with housing, schooling, and family adaptation.
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Overlooking differences between Colombian cities in terms of costs, housing availability, schools, transportation, and services.
Destination Services
in Colombia
In addition to immigration support, Holistic Relocation assists employees and their families throughout the entire settling-in process.
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Cross-cultural training
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Orientation Tour
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Temporary accommodation search
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Home Finding
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School search
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Settling in
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Reservation payment
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Payments on behalf
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Lease negotiation / renewal / termination
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Departure services
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Airport pick-up / Drop-off
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Driver license
Cities Where We Provide Relocation Services in Colombia
Useful Information for Human Resources
Cost of Living
Colombia offers a competitive cost of living compared with other markets in the region, although this can vary significantly depending on the destination city, residential area, and the employee's and family's lifestyle.
Major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena offer a wide range of housing, services, restaurants, schools, and transportation options, with significant differences in pricing depending on location and level of comfort.
Healthcare System
International Schools
Colombia has a well-developed healthcare system and high-quality private clinics, particularly in the country's major cities.
Expatriates typically access private healthcare through international insurance or local health plans.
Major cities offer international and bilingual schools with programs such as:
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International Baccalaureate (IB).
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U.S. curricula.
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European curricula.
Availability and admission timelines should be considered well in advance when planning a family relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relocation to Colombia
How long does the visa process for Colombia take?
Processing times depend on the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and the available documentation. It is recommended to start the process well in advance of the planned relocation date.
Can an employee start working immediately after arriving in Colombia?
This depends on the individual's immigration status and the type of work activity authorized. The appropriate immigration category should be confirmed in advance.
Which Colombian city is most common for expatriates?
Bogotá is the main corporate destination, although Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena also receive international professionals depending on the industry and location of the company.
Does Holistic only provide immigration services?
No. Holistic supports the entire relocation journey, including immigration, housing, settling-in, local orientation, and cross-cultural training for employees and their families.